HME/MDI apparatus having MDI in parallel to HME

An HME/MDI apparatus for being placed in a circuit of a mechanical ventilator, comprising:

• a) a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, an HME section, and an MDI section, with the HME section and MDI section being disposed in parallel in the housing;
• b) HME media in the HME section;
• c) an MDI port on the housing and leading to the MDI section;
• d) a valve in the housing, with the valve being operable to minimize fluid flow to at least one of the HME and MDI sections;
• and
• e) an arm comprising an arm portion disposed outside of and confrontable with the housing, with the arm being engaged to the valve such that movement of the arm portion moves the valve, with said arm portion having a first position that renders the MDI port inoperable, with said arm portion having a second position that permits operation of the MDI port, with said first and second positions defining respective positions of said valve.

An HME/MDI apparatus for being placed in a circuit of a mechanical ventilator, comprising:

• a) a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, an HME section, and an MDI section;
• b) HME media in the HME section;
• c) an MDI port on the housing and leading to the MDI section;
• d) a valve in the housing, with the valve being operable to minimize fluid flow to at least one of the HME and MDI sections;
• and
• e) wherein the valve is open at all times relative to the inlet and outlet such that, regardless of a position of the valve, fluid flow can be had at all times from the inlet to the outlet and from the outlet to the inlet such that fluid flow to a patient is never cut off.

An HME/MDI apparatus for being placed in a circuit of a mechanical ventilator, comprising:

• a) a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, an HME section, and an MDI section;
• b) HME media in the HME section;
• and
• c) an MDI port on the housing and leading to the MDI section.